A COUNCIL environmental protection team has been awarded £120,000 to carry out a travel planning and eco-driving project.

Buckinghamshire Council’s Strategic Environmental Protection Team was awarded the funds from the Government’s Air Quality Grant Scheme.

The team will be working with local business engagement groups to start a campaign encouraging more ‘active travel and sustainable ways of travelling’ across the county.

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The project will be aimed at employers and their staff. It will target small to medium enterprises with under 100 employees that were ineligible under the previous project, the electric vehicle campaign of 2020.

The new initiative will give small and medium sized enterprises within the county the opportunity to create active travel plans and to trial an app to encourage a safer eco-friendlier style of driving.

Gareth Williams, deputy leader and cabinet member for climate change and environment, said: “I'm really proud of our team for securing this grant and for their ongoing efforts to improve air quality in Buckinghamshire.

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“This project will give small to medium businesses the chance to make a real difference and lead the way in sustainable travel. I can't wait to see the positive impact it will have on our community and the environment."